What's Happening?
Assembly Biosciences has reported promising interim results from two Phase I trials of its antiviral drug candidates, ABI-1179 and ABI-5366, for the treatment of recurrent genital herpes. The trials demonstrated significant reductions in viral shedding
and genital lesions among participants. ABI-1179, administered weekly, reduced viral shedding by 98% and genital lesions by 91% compared to placebo. ABI-5366, administered monthly, showed a 76% reduction in viral shedding and an 88% decrease in lesions. These results suggest that Assembly's drugs could offer more effective and convenient treatment options compared to current therapies.
Why It's Important?
The positive results from these trials highlight the potential of Assembly's antiviral candidates to improve treatment outcomes for patients with recurrent genital herpes, a condition that affects millions worldwide. Current treatments often require frequent dosing and may not fully prevent outbreaks. Assembly's drugs, with their long-acting formulations, could provide a more effective and less burdensome alternative. This advancement could lead to better management of the disease, reducing transmission rates and improving patients' quality of life.
What's Next?
Assembly plans to advance ABI-1179 and ABI-5366 into mid-stage development, with Phase II trials for ABI-5366 expected to begin by mid-2026. The company will continue to evaluate the potential of these drugs to meet the unmet needs in herpes treatment. The partnership with Gilead, which provided significant funding and collaboration opportunities, positions Assembly to further develop its pipeline and potentially bring these innovative treatments to market.
